| So you're planning a little get-together for your | | | | least 14 munchies per person. If you're hosting in |
| friends, and you've got a mental list of foods to | | | | the afternoon, you'll need about half as much. |
| serve and people to invite. If you think planning a | | | | Don't serve it all at once |
| party is that simple, you're in for a surprise. For | | | | There are few things worse than running out of |
| one thing, there's no such thing as a 'little | | | | food when you're hosting a party. Of course, the |
| get-together' when you're in the Philippines. Filipinos | | | | safest way out is to overestimate-besides, you |
| love a good party, and they'll go great lengths to | | | | can always use the leftovers for next week's |
| have a feast every chance they get. | | | | meals. But what if you're on a tight budget? The |
| Unfortunately, we're a bit less enthusiastic about | | | | best alternative is to portion each course. For |
| putting the party together. How do you know | | | | example, you can serve appetizers first, the main |
| which foods to serve, or how to go about making | | | | courses next, and dessert last. Don't put out all of |
| them? No worries-Filipino parties are really quite | | | | your food at once. When everyone has eaten, fill |
| simple, even if they're always bigger than | | | | up your table with all the courses. That way, |
| expected. Filipino cuisine is very diverse, so you | | | | when they're all full, they can simply go back to |
| won't run out of choices, and as long as there's | | | | the table and pick their favorites. |
| lots of food, your guests will be more than happy. | | | | Overbuy the drinks |
| Unconvinced? Here are some useful Filipino food | | | | You can get away with making just enough food, |
| planning tips you can use for your next | | | | but it's best to play safe when it comes to |
| get-together. | | | | beverages. You never know how much your |
| Plan in courses | | | | guests will want to drink. To save money without |
| Ever been to a party where there was too much | | | | going cheap, prepare a nice punch or a few |
| dessert but not enough of the main course? It's a | | | | decent cocktails and stock up on cheaper drinks |
| common mistake among party planners-they'll | | | | like beer, juice and soda. Get creative by mixing |
| make a quick list of foods they like and then run | | | | your own drinks-there are several low-cost Filipino |
| to the grocery store. Avoid this mistake by | | | | recipes for party beverages. If you're buying |
| planning the entire meal by course. Do you want | | | | mixers, get them in smaller bottles so you don't |
| to serve appetizers or go straight to the main | | | | waste the unfinished bottles. |
| course? How many desserts do you need? If you | | | | During the party, serve the fancy drinks first, |
| have more than two main dishes, you don't need | | | | then get out the canned or bottled drinks when |
| a lot of appetizers. You can serve a variety of | | | | everyone's had their fill. That way, everyone can |
| Filipino desserts recipes or prepare one large | | | | try the cocktails and freshen up with the drink of |
| dessert, such as a pie or cake. | | | | their choice later on. Keep the drinks in an ice box. |
| Mind the time | | | | Be sure to stock lots of ice-about one pound per |
| If your party is in midmorning or late afternoon, | | | | person-for outdoor or morning parties. |
| you don't need a full-course meal because your | | | | Prepare take-home containers |
| guests will just have eaten. Instead of heavy | | | | When the party's over, a lot of your guests will |
| Filipino food recipes, serve a range of different | | | | want to take home some of your leftovers. Don't |
| appetizers or finger foods. Not only is it more | | | | go scrambling around for spare containers, which |
| convenient, it also allows them to mingle while | | | | most likely won't be returned anyway. When |
| enjoying your meal. Be sure to add variety, as | | | | shopping for the party, pick up a pack of food |
| people can get tired of one dish fairly quickly. | | | | bags or disposable plates. Give them to your |
| People's appetites change with the time of day, | | | | guests when they want to take home some |
| so plan accordingly as well. About 10 appetizers | | | | food. It's more convenient for both parties-you |
| per person per hour is appropriate for lunch | | | | don't risk losing your best plates, and they can |
| parties. People are generally hungriest during dinner | | | | stuff the food in their bags instead of carrying a |
| hour, so if you're holding the party then, have at | | | | large platter all the way home. |